BODRUM | GÖCEK

BODRUM | Göcek

bodrum1 Day 1: Bodrum, Cnidus, Palamutbükü

Bodrum is the ideal starting point for sailing the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Gökova Gulf is acknowledged to be one of the best cruising areas in Europe. With abundant sunshine, crystal clear waters, continuous blue skies, good anchorages and friendly people, this coast offers many diversities. There are many unspoiled areas rich in natural beauty and in costal settlements and villages.Bodrum is a port city in Muğla Province, in the southwestern Aegean Region of Turkey. It is located on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula, at a point that checks the entry into the Gulf of Gökova. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times and was famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbour and the marina. The castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Knidos is one of the most magnificent ancient cities in Anatolia that you should visit. As the first settlement in the east of the Datca peninsula, Knidos has splendid ruins and a unique beauty. There is a theater is located right next to the harbor of the ancient city of Knidos. A short walk towards the harbor will take you to the remains of two churches built during the Byzantine period. Knidos century has been a site of archaeological excavations since 1960. The Statue of Demeter discovered here and the lion statues that protected the harbor in ancient times now adorn the halls of the British Museum. The sacred temple of the goddess Aphrodite is a major center of attraction. The city with a huge necropolis, a double harbor and the magnificent acropolis with the temple of Aphrodite truly impresses all visitors.

Palamutbuku is reputed for having the best beaches in the Datca peninsula. The beaches are small but very beautiful. Surrounded by mountains and spotted with gardens, these beaches are known for their tranquility and fresh sea air that together present the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating getaway. Palamutbuku is located at the end of the peninsula and is also famed for the remains of the historic city of Knidos. Knidos, known for its bounty of fish, is located about 12 kilometers away.The waters here are crystal clear, so much so that it is believed that if you take a needle at the very bottom of the sea, you can still see it! Go on a sea tour or simply bask on the beaches, watching vibrant birds take a flight – there is so much to do in Palamutbuku! The people are warm and friendly. Palamutbuku epitomizes peace, tranquility and happiness. With its warm people with their smiling faces and immense natural beauty, Palamutbuku is indeed a little paradise in its own right.

Day 2: İnceburun, Datça

Datça was founded by the Dorians settled in the Aegean islands and the southern coast ofIonia. This peninsula is located between the Aegean Sea and theMediterranean Sea. At the end of the peninsula, at a distance of about 38 kms is the ancient Carian city of Knidos, which was described by Strabo as the ‘city built for the most beautiful goddess, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful peninsula”. It is also believed that around 500 years ago, the Spanish pirates sailing left leprosy patients to die here but the fair weather of the peninsula recovered the lepers! You may take a walk in Datca Harbor.

Day 3: Bozburun, Bozukkale

Bozburun is renowned for the thriving sponge business and gullet yacht construction industry. Some of the best wood and craftsmen for building strong and beautiful gullet boats are to be found in this region, which is why leading names in the business employ Bozburun’s boat makers. Owing to its gullet and yacht manufacturing industries, Bozburun has become a central attraction, visited by tourists from all across the world.

Bozukkale (Loryma) is an ancient city that dates back to 10 BC. There are nine towers of the castle walls extending in a mutually rectangular pattern. The castle and towers are very well preserved and appear in a solid state. ‘Kale’ means 'corrupted'. Therefore, the name of the place may be attributed to the fact that one side of the castle is missing. Bozukale used to serve as a bay cruise stretch for British naval ships and is now considered as a shipyard on the shore. It was used as a place to watch all the yachts in theAegean. Its strategic geographical location and narrow port was also used by the ships sailing from theportofAthens. In 395 BC, the Athenian commander, Karori, is known to have come here. Before the Cnidus War of 305 BC, Demetrios, son of Antigonos chose this port for preparations before attacking Rhodes.

Day 4: Kadırga Village, Ekincik

Kadırga Bay, which has been honoured with the blue flag for its marvelous sea. Kadırga Bay has already been a touristic place for many years.

Ekincik is an unspoiled natural wonder, blessed with breathtaking beauty. It is uncrowded, pretty and tranquil with a nice little beach nearby. The coastal road there is gorgeous too and is a good base for boat trips and walking tours.The 2 km long stretch of the unspoilt gravel beach meets a small harbor from which the boats departs to Dalyan, located approximately 45 minutes away. The scenery is stunning and there are many opportunities to observe the local wildlife. On the beach there is a small range of water sports facilities available including banana-boat and water-ski.You may join optional Dalyan Tour from here. You will be taken from your yacht by a small boat called “piyade”. Firstly arrive at Caretta-Caretta (turtle) beach and a take a swim stop here. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the delta as you sail along in the river boat. You will see the ancient Rock Tombs and finally arrive at mud baths to relax and be rejuvenated.

Day 5: Adalı Bay

South-east of the (Hamam) Manastir bay, in the ruins of a bath in the water because of the region known as Cleopatra's Bath, or Sunken Bath Bay coastal tectonics, such as the formation of the bay in the Gulf with many bays. A careful examination of the hill slope behind the bay, which is active in the past, this hill is a crater lake of tectonic structure and reducing water channels, clearly visible from the shore. The monastery dark, pine trees and up the hill from the shore in some places covered with carob trees. Structure of an ancient wall running parallel to the direction of the north-east coast and other small remnants of ancient Lycia reminds me that you are not far from the city. Lydia Network Port can be reached by a hiking trail approximately 1.5 hours.Hamam is the bay that no blue voyage yachts or daily tripper boats will pass without anchoring.

Day 6: Tersane Island, Bedri Rahmi Bay

Tersane Island is also known as Shipyard Island, these are the largest in the Gulf of Fethiye. A deep, 100m long channel provides entry into these islands. There are covered and sheltered bays on the east side, which is also known as summer harbor. The western part is closed due to fierce winds, it is best to anchor here. According to historical sources Tersane Islands were called Telandria. There are about a hundred ruins of ancient houses that can e seen from the land and the sea. These islands proved to be most secure for sailors in the entire Gulf of Fethiye during the Byzantine period.

Bedri Rahmi Bay is also known by the Lycian name of Taşyaka or ‘Dark bay’, due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu was an esteemed master of Turkish literature, art and painting. In the summer of 1973, during a cruise with close friends, he drew a fish on a huge rock. This ‘Fish Rock’ located at the entrance of the blue bay still greets passengers. In fact, the region itself is known as ‘Fish Rock’ in honor of the great master.Bedri Rahmi Bay is well sheltered from strong winds and is therefore a good point of anchorage. It is also known for its pine and olive covering the hills behind the oleander flowers, small beaches and turquoise waters, creating a image of fantastic proportions.

Day 7: Yassıca Islands, Göcek

Some of these islands appear as the Yassica Islands group on several maritime maps. Anchorage is available at the nearest port of Gocek. Yassica Islands in the Gulf of Fethiye is one of the most romantic places, ideal for spending quality time with your partner and photographing gorgeous sunsets. The islands are covered with pine and olive trees, have many sheltered and shallow bays and are ideal for water sports enthusiasts. There are no establishments on the islands. The biggest one has a sandy beach and there is a small pool cape off the lagoon. It looks purpose built for children to play in. You can swim here without fear of danger from anything between the islands. The minimum distance is 12m between two islands. If you have half an hour you can swim to and from four islands. You can explore the islands by walking if you wish but don’t forget to take sturdy shoes or boots with you as the ground can be very stony. Despite their small size these islands have a good variety of different plants and foliage.

Gocek is a natural harbour lying at the head of the Gulf of Fethiye on the Turquoise coast of Turkey, just 22km from Dalaman International Airport. Protected by the wooded foothills of the Taurus Mountains, it looks out over the numerous islands and sheltered bays of this beautiful gulf.When you arrive in the center, you will see a long street called Turgut Ozal Street that offers many outlets for antique and modern carpets and textiles, gifts shops, restaurants etc. It is possible to find all your needs in this street.Famous supermarkets Tansas, Migros and Bim - have branches in Gocek town, in addition to many smaller family-run markets that a everything that you will need for either yacht provisioning or self-catering.While you are walking along the main street to the seafront, you will see smart, plain, quiet, restaurants, fish restaurants, cafes and pubs, all playing good international and local music. However, you should also walk inland a little to see the restaurants and bars hiding in wonderful green gardens, surrounded by colorful flowers. You will find the atmosphere dizzy with the flower aromas, your cocktail and the unusual high oxygen levels, which we know you don't normally breathe.

Day 8: Göcek

Tags: BODRUM | GÖCEK